Faisal, Minister of Foreign Affairs, has reiterated that the Kingdom's leadership rejects any interference in its internal affairs, regardless of its form or source. Prince Saud Al-Faisal made the comments while addressing a press conference at the ministry's branch in Jeddah. He stressed that the Kingdom will not tolerate anyone creating any doubts about the actions of the leadership, which is acting in the interests of the country and to uphold the rights of citizens. This is also the case in terms of the values from which the Kingdom derives its laws and regulations, including the regulations which have established the principles of civil society. “I hope this stance is clear,” the minister said. He said these principles are aimed at protecting society and preserving its security, stability and safety from sedition and divisions. Prince Saud said the Islamic Shariah outlines these principles, which has been endorsed in statements issued by the Board of Senior Ulema and the Kingdom's Grand Mufti. He said these statements stressed that reform cannot take place through demonstrations and other actions which create sedition and cause of disunity among people. The foreign minister said the statements prohibited demonstrations because they violate the rules of the Kingdom, which are rooted in the Book of Allah and the Sunnah. Responding to a question on reports that foreign elements are interfering in the internal matters of the Kingdom, Prince Saud Al-Faisal said, “We will cut any finger that crosses into the Kingdom.” “Change comes by the citizens of this country and not by the theory of foreign fingers, we don't need them since the days of Prophet Abraham (pbuh).” About the events and change of regime in Egypt, Prince Saud Al-Faisal said this matter can only be decided by Egyptians. Answering a question, he said the appointment of a Saudi Ambassador to Egypt is a confidential matter for the Foreign Ministry. He said the Kingdom's ties with Egypt are strong and will remain strong. About the stance of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) regarding the demand for the imposition of a no-fly zone over Libya, he referred to the communiqué of the ministerial council of the foreign ministers which took place recently in the United Arab Emirates. He said the council had discussed the issue and found that this matter falls within the jurisdiction of the Arab League. The council has postponed its final communiqué to Thursday in Riyadh, to decide which body – the GCC or the Arab League – should deal with this matter. He pointed out that the objective of the council is to stop the bloodshed and see the Libyan people united. He said an agreement was reached that the Arab League will hold a meeting next Saturday to discuss the issue. Prince Saud Al-Faisal said he has not received a request, as reported in foreign newspapers, that the Libyan Transitional National Council wanted to be recognized by the Kingdom. In response to reports circulated by a number of foreign newspapers on a US request from the Kingdom to arm or finance the revolutionaries in Libya, he said: “I've never heard of such reports …” Responding to a question regarding the Saudi-US relationship, he said: “We do not interfere in the internal affairs of the US and we are keen on US-Saudi ties.” Answering a question on the events taking place in some Arab countries, he said: “I think each country has its characteristics and each country is different from the other, so we cannot treat their circumstances collectively as if it is a common phenomenon.” He said there are 22 Arab states and for four or five to face similar events in some respects would “not be strange”, but that they should be treated differently. On whether events in the region are the result of foreign instigation, the minister said: “The external intervention is obvious... whether it is the main cause or not, I think each country has its peculiar conditions in this context. There are some people who believe in conspiracy and that things do not move unless motivated by external intervention; however, the issue stems from a combination of factors rather than only one.” He rejected reports carried by the Iranian News Agency claiming an expected visit by the Iranian President to Saudi Arabia was canceled because of a difference in opinion about events in Bahrain. “We didn't hear this …but it isn't strange that the Iranian press fabricates such news.” In response to a question on reports that Iran is behind the stirring of some seditions in the Kingdom, Prince Saud Al-Faisal said, “As for Iran, we hope it deals only with the demonstrations in its country. We do not have demonstrations like those in Iran, and I repeat what I have mentioned before that we will not tolerate with any interference in our internal affairs by any party whoever and we will continue this policy.” He said that the Kingdom will deal with any foreign meddling in its internal affairs decisively. – SPA/Okaz/Saudi GazetteCaption: Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Minister of Foreign Affairs, speaks during a press conference held in Jeddah, Wednesday. (SPA photo) __
